US calls Israel-Lebanon talks “productive” as negotiations continue

The United States described Israel-Lebanon talks held in Washington on Thursday, May 14, as “productive and positive,” with discussions set to continue on Friday as efforts intensify to contain the ongoing conflict.

A State Department official said the meeting between Lebanese and Israeli envoys, alongside U.S. officials, lasted about eight hours after starting at 9 a.m. EDT, calling it a “full day of productive and positive talks.”

The negotiations mark the third round of talks since Israel escalated airstrikes on Lebanon following Hezbollah missile fire on March 2, early in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire declared on April 16, hostilities have persisted, largely concentrated in southern Lebanon. The truce is set to expire on Sunday, May 17.

A senior Lebanese official said Beirut would push for “a ceasefire that Israel implements,” amid continued violence. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 22 people killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, including eight children.

Israel, meanwhile, said the talks aim at disarming Hezbollah and securing a broader peace agreement. The Israeli military reported that a Hezbollah-launched explosive drone injured several civilians near the border, while also confirming new strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said it carried out 17 attacks on Israeli troops on Wednesday.

The Washington meetings represent the highest-level contact between Lebanon and Israel in decades. Both sides have expanded their delegations, with Lebanese envoy Simon Karam and Israeli Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin taking part, alongside senior Israeli military officials.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s decision to engage reflects internal divisions over Hezbollah, which Beirut has sought to disarm. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon’s priorities include reinforcing the ceasefire, securing a timeline for Israeli withdrawal, and obtaining the release of Lebanese detainees.

Since March 2, Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed 2,896 people and displaced around 1.2 million. Israel reports 17 soldiers and two civilians killed.

By Tamilla Hasanova